The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have built a respected presence in NCAA athletics, excelling in multiple sports. From the intensity of Hilltoppers football to the competitive edge of WKU Hilltoppers baseball, the program has earned recognition for its achievements and loyal fan base, making it one of the most notable teams in college sports.
College Sports Established
1906
Location
Bowling Green, Kentucky
College Name
Western Kentucky University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1948 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2014 - Present / Conference USA
1982 - 2014 / Sun Belt Conference
1948 - 1982 / Ohio Valley Conference
Nickname
Hilltoppers - The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have been a staple of college football since 1908, and their nickname has become synonymous with the university. But where did it come from? We must look at this storied program's history to answer that question.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Origins
The nickname's origin can be traced back to 1909 when WKU was still known as Western Kentucky State Normal School (WKSN). At that time, most students were either teachers or aspiring teachers who wore “hilltop” hats while attending classes on campus. This gave rise to the term “Hilltopper,” which stuck and eventually became associated with WKU athletics teams in general.
Over time, other schools began adopting similar nicknames, such as "Highlanders" for Eastern Kentucky University or "Tops" for Murray State University. Still, none quite matched up to whatWesternKentucky had established over 100 years ago: The Hilltoppers!
Today, this iconic name is still proudly worn by all athletes representing Western Kentucky Hilltops NCAA sports teams across many different divisions, including Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), NCAA Division I FCS, and even basketball programs like men's basketball teams making Final Four appearances in 2008 & 2020. It is truly an honor for any athlete who wears these colors and represents such a historic program whose roots date back more than 110 years!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2012
- 2013
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Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men’s basketball team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship
In 2007: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men’s basketball team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship and makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1995. The team advances to the Sweet 16, losing to UCLA. -
Courtney Lee – Football Pro for Hilltoppers
Courtney Lee is a former American professional basketball player who played college basketball for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers from 2004 to 2008. Lee played as a shooting guard and was one of the top players in the Sun Belt Conference during his time with the Hilltoppers. During his senior year in 2008, Lee was named the Sun Belt Conference Player ... -
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship
In 2009: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship and makes its first appearance in a bowl game since 1973, defeating the University of Memphis in the inaugural St. Petersburg Bowl. -
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team wins
In 2012: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship for the second consecutive year and makes its second consecutive bowl appearance, defeating the University of Central Michigan in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. -
Basketball Sun Belt Conference championship Winner
In 2013: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men’s basketball team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship and makes its second NCAA Tournament appearance in six years, losing in the first round to Kansas.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers History
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have one of the richest traditions in NCAA athletics, with a program that dates back to 1907. From their early beginnings, the Hilltoppers built a strong identity that fostered school spirit and fierce rivalries, particularly with the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. Over time, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers established themselves as a respected force in college sports.
Basketball has always been a cornerstone of the program, with the Hilltoppers making more than 20 NCAA Tournament appearances since their debut in 1960–61. The team reached the Sweet Sixteen multiple times, including 2011 and 2013, and added two NIT championships in 2009 and 2012. Legendary players like Courtney Lee, Chris Marcus, and George Fant further elevated the reputation of Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball.
The university also built strength in Hilltoppers football, with the program producing conference titles and multiple bowl appearances. After transitioning to the FBS level, Hilltoppers football earned national recognition with high-scoring offenses, standout quarterbacks, and memorable victories in the Conference USA era. The football program has become a cornerstone for fans and a driver of WKU’s athletic growth.
Alongside football and basketball, WKU Hilltoppers baseball has played a critical role in the school’s athletic identity. Competing at a high level in the Sun Belt Conference and now Conference USA, WKU Hilltoppers baseball has produced professional talent and earned postseason bids. Their strong performances showcase the depth of the athletics department beyond the more widely followed sports.
Over the decades, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have consistently shown a balance of athletic excellence and academic commitment. The school has produced professional athletes across the NBA, NFL, and MLB while maintaining high academic standards for its student-athletes. This balance has helped the Hilltoppers stand out as a model program in collegiate athletics.
Hilltoppers Achievements
In recent years, achievements across all sports have highlighted the Hilltoppers’ competitiveness. Hilltoppers football claimed multiple bowl victories in the 2010s, while WKU Hilltoppers baseball earned recognition for strong runs in conference play. The basketball team continues to contend in March Madness, keeping alive one of the most consistent winning traditions in mid-major basketball.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers remain a proud program with a passionate fan base, respected rivalries, and a legacy of championships. Whether it’s Hilltoppers football, WKU Hilltoppers baseball, or their historic basketball program, WKU continues to deliver excellence and represent Kentucky on the national stage.
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